The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has publicly released a high-resolution photograph of a Chinese reusable space vehicle in a report dated October 26, 2026. Originally captured in orbit by the commercial satellite operator Maxar Technologies, now known as Vantor, in 2024, the image provides rare detail of the spacecraft's configuration. The vehicle features delta wings, cargo bay doors, dark thermal protection, and a service module equipped with solar panels, drawing comparisons from U.S. media to the American X-37B uncrewed space plane used by the Space Force.
Similar to its U.S. counterpart, the Chinese device is launched on conventional rockets, remains in orbit for extended periods, and returns to Earth capable of autonomous runway landings. Since 2020, China has conducted four missions under this program, with some lasting nearly nine months. The fourth mission began in February 2026 and was still in orbit at the time of the report's release. However, the total number of units built and their specific operational objectives remain unknown, as Chinese official media refers to the craft only as an experimental reusable spacecraft without providing further details.
Analysis of public orbital tracking data by astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell suggests the vehicle is testing rendezvous and capture technologies. In June 2026, the spacecraft released a small object and approached it again in July, a sequence consistent with recovery operations that appears to have been repeated between August and September. While the specific methods used were not publicly confirmed, these observations indicate potential tests involving robotic mechanisms. Such capabilities could be applied to satellite maintenance, inspection, and recovery, but they also raise concerns regarding military applications, including approaches and interference with other nations' space assets.
The image is part of a broader DIA assessment regarding China's space capabilities. The report states that Beijing possesses various ground-based laser systems of differing power levels intended to disrupt, degrade, or damage satellites in low Earth orbit. Furthermore, the agency considers it possible that China could deploy more powerful directed energy systems, including space-based equipment, by the end of the decade. The assessment also highlights Chinese tests involving anti-satellite missiles, robotic arms, and satellite refueling technologies in geosynchronous orbit at approximately 36,000 kilometers altitude. While these findings stem from U.S. intelligence evaluations, the released image underscores the advancement of commercial observation satellites, which can now photograph equipment in orbit using a technique known as non-Earth imaging.
Sources: Pplware.